Cheltenham General Hospital’s A&E department will continue operating after the suspension of a scheduled strike by resident doctors. The facility had been set to close on Sunday evening and operate as a minor injuries unit through Friday, but the British Medical Association announced the four-day walkout would be suspended following a revised government compensation proposal.
The NHS trust confirmed that while some service disruptions are unavoidable due to the late decision, staff are working to restore appointments from Tuesday through Thursday. Patients have been advised to attend as scheduled unless they receive direct notification of changes. Monday appointments that were cancelled are expected to remain unavailable due to insufficient time for reinstatement.
Dr Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA’s resident doctor committee, stated that the union sought fair compensation to address doctor unemployment and pay erosion. He indicated that tens of thousands of resident doctors will participate in a referendum to determine whether the proposal is satisfactory. Should doctors reject the offer, the BMA indicated plans for additional strike action in the following month.
Health Secretary James Murray characterized the new proposal as an opportunity to resolve longstanding disputes. He noted that the government could not increase pay for the current year but highlighted progress in other areas including training positions and workplace conditions. The suspended action would have marked the 16th strike in the prolonged compensation dispute.
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